Bishop advises initial 8-week Mass suspension remains in effect

Bishop Walker Nickless suspended public Masses and a variety of other church related events on March 16 following consultation with his advisors in concert with the Centers of Disease Control and various public health agencies. The suspension was made as a reaction to the rapid and aggressive spread of COVID-19 across the United States and across Iowa, and as a response to a resolution issued by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynold’s Office prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 individuals.

As the 8-week initial time frame approaches, Bishop Nickless has announced the suspension of the public Masses in the Diocese of Sioux City will remain until further notice.

Since March 16, Bishop Nickless has enhanced diocesan-wide communications, created a COVID-19 task force and consulted with leadership from the other three Iowa Catholic dioceses.

All four Iowa bishops signed a joint statement continuing the suspension of public Masses across the state for an undetermined time period in response to a resolution issued by Gov. Reynolds, authorizing public church services at the discretion of spiritual leadership.

Bishop Nickless further declares that he, his advisors and the diocesan COVID task force will monitor public health data on a national, state and regional basis daily and that all decisions in regards to returning to public liturgies in the Sioux City Diocese will be based on science, data and CDC and public health recommendations.

“I want the faithful to be aware of the great sacrifice that is required, and I am grateful for your patience and understanding at this difficult time,” Bishop Nickless said of the extended Mass suspension.

The dispensation for the Sunday obligation to attend Mass remains for the time being. The task force is developing an action plan to return to public Masses when it is safe to do so, taking into account safety measures and liturgical practices.

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